Scientists have extracted DNA from a Neanderthal skeleton found embedded in calcite deposits in an Italian cave. The remains may be up to 170,000 years old, making this the oldest Neanderthal DNA ever found.

New research shows that typical European traits of pale skin, tallness, and the ability to digest lactose as adults, are relatively new developments, appearing only within the last 8,000 years. 

Why are humans the only primate species with a chin? Researchers from the University of Iowa suggest that the chin became prominent as modern humans evolved smaller faces. This contrasts other arguments that the chin developed in response to mechanical processes related to chewing. 

Work in Kenya has yielded the oldest stone tools ever found. These tools, found near Lake Turkana, date to 3.3 million years ago, that’s 700,000 years older than any other recovered stone tools.